Are you buying new tires but wondering what to do with worn-out ones? Vehicle owners scrap around nine tires every second daily, totaling 300 million waste tires annually in the US. While the government is trying to fight against the harms of ELTs, as a citizen, you, too, have some responsibility. And that’s what brought you here, right? So, in this comprehensive guide, we’ll help you understand how to dispose of tires “legally” in 2024 and save yourself from hefty penalties while playing a part in decreasing environmental pollution.
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Legal Methods for Tire Disposal
Legal tire disposal won’t cost you an arm and leg. You just need to show some responsibility when disposing of waste tires. It may include the following practices.
Handing over old tires to tire recycling centers
The first method is to submit waste tires to your local recycling center. With the increasing air and water pollution due to scrapped tires, the US government has launched various recycling centers. These facilities turn ELTs into valuable materials such as rubberized asphalt, recycled rubber, tire-derived fuel, etc.
You can call a service truck to pick up the waste tires or visit the nearby recycling center to drop them off. To find your local recycling center online, type “tire disposal near me” or “tire and rim disposal near me” by turning on the location.
Giving old tires to tire retailers
Another way to get rid of your old tires is by giving them to the local retailer or manufacturer. These businesses have partnerships with recycling companies. However, you may need to pay a few extra bucks while purchasing new tires to dispose of waste tires.
The fee varies from state to state. For example, in South Carolina, you will have to pay an additional $2 for each tire you purchase to cover the cost of waste tire recycling. Likewise, the tire disposal fee in Alabama is $1 per new tire. You can check the fee applied and the criteria for submitting old tires according to your region here.
Taking part in national tire disposal initiatives
The US government has started tire disposal initiatives to reduce the harmful impacts of waste tires. These programs ensure responsible waste tire management at residential and commercial levels. Each state has its criteria.
For example, Los Angeles has active tire programs partnered with CalRecycle, California’s Department of Recycling, across the County. This program allows LA residents to drop off scrap tires at the affiliated collector center without any fee. The respective staff then transfer these tires to recycling sites.
Likewise, Texas runs a scrap tire program under the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). According to this initiative called “Tire Disposal Texas,” residents can dispose of waste tires from their public property by contacting the authorized collector, transporter, or recycling facility.
However, you may have to pay a small fee for this service. You can see the list of active waste tire handlers in Texas by clicking here. And if you have any query related to scrap tire disposal in Texas, you can visit the official site of TCEQ.
Participating in tire amnesty events
The tire amnesty event is another initiative to manage waste tire disposal. Local authorities or municipal communities organize these events to promote the legal disposal of used or old tires. These events provide residents with a designated area to drop off their scrap tires for free.
CalRecycle organizes amnesty events in different regions of California. For example, in Inyo County, a tire amnesty event will be held on March 30-31 and June 1-2, 2024. Participating residents can submit up to 9 passenger cars or truck tires without paying any fee. So, If you want to dispose of old tires for free, search for the upcoming amnesty events in your area.
Repurposing waste tire: DIY tire disposal
Instead of dumping waste tires into landfills, you can transform them into unique and valuable products. For example, at home, you can repurpose waste tires into swings for children. You can also make planters, terrace tables, etc., from used tires. This creative approach helps you play your part in building a sustainable environment. Moreover, it’s a free and legal tire disposal method.
FAQs
How do you legally dispose of used tires in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, you must drop off old tires at retail stores when buying new ones. The private facilities and municipalities will collect tires from authorized tire shops and transport them to the recycling centers.
What is the best way to dispose of old and used tires?
Recycling is the best way to dispose of waste tires. Instead of throwing them away around your town, you can give old tires to the local recycling facility, where professionals convert them to other usable materials under a controlled process. Another responsible way is to upcycle waste tires by making creative things.
How do you get money out of old tires?
Several companies buy used tires for retreading or reprocessing. The budget ranges from $3 for a passenger car tire to $50 for a truck tire. You can search for businesses interested in buying used tires at this platform.
Final Thoughts
Well, that’s the end of our discussion on how to dispose of tires in 2024. With so many programs, events, and recycling facilities, it has become easy to get rid of old tires without harming the environment. You can check with your local authorities working on waste tire management. Alternatively, repurpose scrap tires to decorate your home and save the earth. The choice is yours!
